Does anyone have experience with Dehumidifiers aboard. I'm away from the boat a month at a time. I'm mainly concerned during the winter months where I get mold on the cabin top and other areas. I'm curious if anyone has used the larger models that have timers and approx 30 pint capacities. Pros and cons? I'm on shore power so how is the power consumption. So bottom line are they effective both in terms of cost (about $200) and effectiveness. Also as a substitute does anyone use a marine heater like the West Marine model for this purpose. Some use it on their RV's during winter storage. Safety factor?? As always thanks for any advice. Bill
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Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
I have a small one - I drilled a hole in the water tank - then fit a tubing fitting in it with RTV. The plan was to have the tube run in the sink and leave the dehumidifier on the counter. Never could get the thing to seal well - so just ended up leaving the dehumidifier in the sink. It runs and drains the water - never overflows ;) - Here in the NW the small size seems to be enough.
Les
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
Thanks Les, what model, size and mfg do you use. Also my other question remains to others regarding using a marine heater for this purpose? Bill
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
[quote=breitz]Thanks Les, what model, size and mfg do you use. Also my other question remains to others regarding using a marine heater for this purpose? Bill[/quote]
Bill - I believe it was this one
https://www.amazon.com/Ivation-GDM20-Thermo-Electric-Dehumidifier-Cubic/dp/B00KWKONAG/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1474230972&sr=1-1&keywords=dehumidifier&refinements=p_36%3A1253524011%2Cp_72%3A1248915011
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
Thanks but that looks a bit small for my purposes since I'm away from the boat for about 3 to 4 weeks at a time..
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
Bill
We have a 30 pt Aire sold by ace hardware. It is rated one of the best. We keep it next to the galley sink and installed the hose ,instead of using the internal bucket that needs to be dumped. We leave the sink drain open and drain into the sink.One time my wife closed the sink drain and I came back 2 days later and the sink was full,it pulls a lot of water out of the air My wife loves that all cushions are nice and dry and no mildew smells. What ever one you get make sure it is for low temp operation
Bill
Bill Miller
S/V Lorraine
Pacific Northwest,Sound Sound
Grapeview,Wa
1990 Mk1
That's the one I was looking at as well. I'm on shore power and pay for electric. Wondering how much this adds to the utility bill. I think the Aire 30 pint has a timer. What's your experience
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
I have placed 4 12VDC computer fans on a Plexiglas that have 4 3" holes in them. The Plexiglas fits in the hatch just above the freezer and uses 12VDC adaptor to power the 4 fans. The adaptor is plugged into a 110 Volt wall outlet. The hatch is cracked open and fans force air into the boat. V-beth and the head hatches are cracked open for the air to escape. I use air-conditioning filter, cut to size, placed above the fans to keep dust out. I replace the filter periodically. The fresh air circulation keeps the interior dry.
I do not have photo - but I will take one and post it here later.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
About Sail La Vie
There is no timer but it only runs when it needs to. I have mine set at 50%,so I do not think it uses too much power
Bill
Bill Miller
S/V Lorraine
Pacific Northwest,Sound Sound
Grapeview,Wa
1990 Mk1
I purchased a small portable dehumidifier two seasons ago.
I think its great. It takes all the moisture out of the air - so the boat has that fresh smell.
It drains into the bilge - so the water there is getting changed (I don't have a dry bilge).
It turns itself off when the moisture level is low, and then restarts later.
I don't know how much it costs to run - power is included in my marina fees.
Its the compact 12L unit from http://www.ausclimate.com.au/products.htm
I have mounted it on the shelf near the starboard hanging locker - with velco straps and shockcord to hold it. So far in really rough weather, it has not moved.
Cat375 - Rock The Boat - Hull 54
Lake Macquarie - NSW - Australia
I use the UFO looking dehumidifier from West Marine. I live in Florida and it works wonderfully in the winter. You would not think so looking at all t.
2000 C36 MKII 1825
[quote=knotdoneyet]I use the UFO looking dehumidifier from West Marine. I live in Florida and it works wonderfully in the winter. You would not think so looking at all t.[/quote]
Use the same WB air dryer/dehimidfier year around. That, along with three solar vents (that require the C-size NiMH batteries replaced every other year) keep the boat dry and free of mold. The little air dryer keeps the boat above due point and solved the large condensation issue depending on your location.
Russell Green
S/V "GoodwiII" #759
1987 C36 MKI TR/WK M25XP
Moored: Deale, MD